World leaders attend grand military parade in China
President Xi says no hegemony but peace for all
APP

BEIJING – President Mamnoon Hussain along with other world leaders on Thursday attended China's grand military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of its victory in the World War II.

The high-profile event marked the first time China commemorating the allied victory, with heads of state and the government from 30 countries including Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, South African President Jacob Zuma, presidents of Central Asian states and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan received President Mamnoon and Begum Mehmooda Mamnoon on their arrival at the historic Tiananmen Square to witness the parade. Pakistan was among the 17 foreign countries that contributed their troops for the parade that marched alongside the troops of China's People's Liberation Army.

The 75-member contingent from Pakistan carried the green national flag besides the flags with insignias of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, the Pakistan Air Force and tri-services as it marched down the parade venue. Lt Colonel Tayyab led the Pakistani contingent holding the tri-services flag.

– Homage to veterans with gun salute –

Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Rashad Mehmood also witnessed the parade. Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Fiji, Mongolia, Serbia and Tajikistan also contributed their troops for the parade. The event began as China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang announced 70 gun salute as homage to the veterans of the World War II.

Fighter jets flew low over the city also forming the figure 70 symbolising the 70th anniversary of the victory. Aircraft flied past the venue leaving behind trails of coloured smoke. The Chinese missile carriers rolled through Tiananmen Square showcasing the country's advanced weaponry.

– No hegemony but peace for all –

In his address, President Xi said that China loves peace and despite being the largest army would not seek hegemony and would reduce its troops by 300,000. The event concluded with thousands of doves freed into the air as a symbol of peace. At the end of the parade, President Xi and his spouse hosted a reception in honour of the heads of the states and representatives of the governments at the Great Hall of People.

President Mamnoon and Begum Mehmooda attended the reception.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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